Government-to-Government Relations

The member tribal governments of TASIN are working together with federal, state, and local officials to cultivate respectful and effective government-to-government relations that recognize the interdependent role of governments at different levels.

It was in the spirit of respect and cooperation that TASIN members worked with local and state officials to enact legislation ensuring over $200 million was distributed from the state’s Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund for local police and fire services, traffic relief, and other community programs.

It’s also one of the reasons the Riverside and San Bernardino County District Attorney’s offices established special prosecution units on gaming matters funded by tribal governments. These partnerships have improved coordination between tribal and local law enforcement.

TASIN was instrumental in working with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the largest metropolitan planning organization in the United States, to formally include tribal governments in regional planning and policymaking efforts. Today, tribal governments have a seat at a table where solutions to regional problems are formulated and adopted.

CALLOUT:

“Like all major public destinations, such as retail shopping centers and entertainment venues, the increase in public use correspondingly means the need for increased public safety support. The tribes have been very proactive in recognizing this and in working with the county, the D.A.’s office and the Sheriff’s office to coordinate strong law enforcement oversight.”

—Grover Trask

Former Riverside County District Attorney

TASIN also formed the first Tribal and City Governments Collaboration Task Force with the League of California Cities in order to develop a resource center for city officials and to offer informational workshops on a wide variety of topics related to tribal governments and tribal gaming.